Why do we confess to priests? Can’t we just confess to God?
Let’s just suppose for a moment that I, as an underpaid writer, decided that I needed some fast cash and so I rob a store! Whom would I owe an apology to? Certainly I would apologize to the store’s owner, as well as my family, friends, parishioners, bishop, and the community in general. My bad act reflects on me and all who know me. People would say, “I heard your priest robbed a store…” Well, sin is much the same way. We are all affected by each other’s sin since we are all members of the same body. Each of us is called to live out the baptismal call to make Christ more visible in the world. When we sin, we fail to hold up our part.
Confession is not only reconciliation with God, but also with the church. The priest represents the church community in the sacrament, so that as we are reconciled with God (who does not need a “middle man”), we are also reconciled with the church.
Two other thoughts: We know the time, place and moment we sin. With confession, we also know the moment we are forgiven. Finally, confessing to a priest helps us articulate our sins as well as get some direction and advice in growing in our faith. Finding a good confessor and going regularly makes all the difference.
©2009 Liturgical Publications Inc
Used with permission
